Engineer retires after 75 years with same firm
BRITAIN’S oldest working engineer has finally retired after 75 years with the same firm – and was given a spanner as a leaving present.
Dedicated Bryan Webb, 90, began working for Vauxhall in 1946 after walking into his local garage Hough & Whitmore in Gloucester.
He asked if they had any jobs and four years later he completed his mechanical apprenticeship and by 26 was a workshop foreman.
Bryan has now finally set down his tools – but was presented with a ceremonial spanner by colleagues on his last day. A plaque was also unveiled in his honour.
For the last 34 years Bryan has worked as a warranty administrator at Baylis Gloucester.
His career has seen him own a succession of Vauxhall cars stretching across seven decades, beginning with a Vauxhall Velox in 1956.
Bryan still wears the watch that was handed to him in 1970 in recognition of 25 years of service.
Julian Bawdon, director, Baylis, said: “I have only known Bryan for 14 years of his long career with the company and he is a credit to both Baylis and Vauxhall.
“I would like to thank him for his incredible loyalty and hard work, as well as wish him a long and happy retirement.”
Paul Willcox, managing director, Vauxhall, said: “For anyone to enjoy a 75-year career is an impressive feat but to be involved with the same company for this length of time is remarkable.
“On behalf of all of us at Vauxhall Motors, we thank Bryan warmly for his dedication, hard work and long service and we wish him a very happy and healthy retirement – it’s no less than he deserves.”
Bryan Webb said: “I love to keep busy and have thoroughly enjoyed my 75 years with Baylis and Vauxhall. I will miss my colleagues and wish them every success in the future.
“The biggest change I’ve seen in my career is new technology coming in and I hope Vauxhall continues this trend with its growing range of allelectric cars and vans.”